ECOCARE Maldives and friendly organizations share concerns over the proposed Dolphin lagoon (Dolphinarium) in Maldives. ECOCARE Maldives is joined together with Scuba Tribe, Atoll Scuba, Divers Association of Maldives, Tiny Island Volunteers/Maldives Volunteers and Protect Us in a campaign against the proposed Dolphin lagoon in Maldives. We stand together against the cabinets approval to lease lagoon for the development of Dolphin Park in Maldives.

We do not support the idea of captive born and trained Dolphins imported into Maldives, nor we accept the concept where dolphins are ‘caged’ in enclosed lagoons.

Earth Island Institute and its International Marine Mammal Project focused on dolphins, whales and their ocean habitats, goes on to say in their press release on 3rd November 2011, that there is a possible threat to the the Safe Dolphin reputation of Maldives if the country goes ahead with this project.

“The Maldives tuna industry has adopted a policy to ensure that no dolphins are ever killed in tuna nets,” notes Mark Berman, Associate Director of Earth Island Institute’s Dolphin Safe program. “That Dolphin Safe standard is respected all over the world. If the Maldives’ government allows live dolphins to be imported into their country, the Dolphin Safe reputation of the Maldives will be jeopardized. Major tuna importing nations will not buy tuna from governments that harm dolphins.”

Our partner Organization Tiny Island Volunteers/Maldives Volunteers will be screening Academy Award® Winner for Best Documentary of 2009, THE COVE which follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has inspired audiences worldwide to action. An awareness movie on Dolphin captivity. While together with other partners ECOCARE Maldives will conduct awareness events in the coming weeks on the campaign “Don’t Cage Dolphins”.

Please note that since 15th May 1993, Dolphins are a protected marine species in the Maldives, it is prohibited to kill, catch or extract Dolphins within the exclusive Economic Zone of the Maldives. However, we do not believe that this is an excuse for the proposing party to ‘import’ captive born, trained or any other such sort of Dolphins into Maldives.

We call all our members, our supporters and environment activist around the world to take action now and Stop the proposed Dolphin Lagoon in Maldives!